Make an organised list

What Is It?

Make a List is a problem-solving strategy that you can use to solve mathematical word problems by writing the information in a more organised format. Here is an example of a problem that can be solved by making a list:

Doug has 2 pairs of pants: a black pair and a green pair. He has 4 shirts: a white shirt, a red shirt, a grey shirt, and a striped shirt. How many different outfits can he put together?

Understanding the Problem

• How many pairs of pants does Doug have? (2)
• How many shirts does Doug have? (4)

Planning a Solution

• Suppose Doug wears his black pants. What colour shirt can he wear? (white, red, grey, or striped)
• If Doug wears his striped shirt, how many different outfits can he wear? (2: striped—black and striped—green)
• If Doug wears the green pants, can he wear all 4 shirts? (yes).

Finding the Answer

Make an Organised List

Black—White

Black—Red

Black—Grey

Black—Striped

Green—White

Green—Red

Green—Grey

Green—Striped

Answer: Doug can make 8 different outfits.

Independent Task:

WALT - Make an organised list to solve a problem.

GOT it Resource - Problem Sheet 4 and 5